Celtic in contract talks with Forrest and Mulgrew as Lennon seeks to tie up star names

Neil Lennon has revealed plans to tie up five of Celtic's Champions League stars on new, improved contracts.

The Parkhead boss has already spoken
of his desire to extend the agreements of four-goal midweek hero Gary
Hooper and Victor Wanyama.

Planning for future: Celtic boss Neil Lennon

Despite signing new long-term deals last season, however, winger James Forrest and defender Charlie Mulgrew are also in line for new contracts.

And Welsh international full-back Adam Matthews is another in new talks with the SPL champs.

'Forrest signed a long-term deal last season but we're in talks with him again,' said Lennon. 'We're speaking to Adam, Victor, Charlie and Gary, too. These talks are ongoing and we hope to get over the line with all of them.

'They are being rewarded for their performances and that's the incentive we give our players.

'We did it with Beram Kayal and Emilio Izaguirre and we want to do it with these players.

'We hope they all sign a year's extension.'

Impressive: Celtic's James Forrest

Wanyama's agent, Rob Moore, claims his client is still awaiting a firm offer from the club but is unlikely to extend a deal which still has three years to run.

With Celtic keen to reap £10million for the Kenyan international, however, improved terms will allow them to demand top dollar for the midfielder.

'We can confirm that, although Celtic have intimated they wish to offer him a new deal, we have not had any offer to improve on Victor's contract,' said Moore.

'Obviously, given his progress and standing within Scottish football, we would expect that to be recognised.

'He came in on an "entry-level" deal, but is now established as one of the best young midfielders in Europe.

'Because of that, it is not unreasonable that it is recognised and he is rewarded accordingly.

'There have been reports of a long-term deal, but Victor still has three years left on his contract, anyway, so we probably don't see the benefit of extending.

'I believe Celtic would look for a substantial transfer fee for him, therefore, it would only be right that they follow that up with improving his current deal.'